Her death left those who knew her shocked and saddened; neighbors described Byrnes as a pillar in Wallingford who led by example and built bonds of community through her kindness.

“She was probably the most generous, loving and giving person that I have ever met,” said Elizabeth Jurcik, a Wallingford resident who became a friend after meeting Byrnes at a party.

The suspect, who formerly lived in the Wenatchee area, appeared to have only minor traffic infractions before Thursday’s arrest, according to Washington court records. According to his Facebook page, he attended Eastmont High School in East Wenatchee, and had worked as a supervisor at UPS in Seattle since September 2016.

Police said in a statement posted Thursday the man’s arrest came as part of a “complex case” requiring extensive investigation in conjunction with the Washington State Crime Lab and King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

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